Replacing Personal Records

There are certain personal records you must have to rent a place to live, apply for employment, open a bank account or to request assistance from government agencies and community-based organizations. The following are personal records you will need:

• Birth Certificate – You will need to contact the appropriate office of the state government in your state of birth. The Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics website provides addresses and information about obtaining birth certificates. Go to www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm. There is often a cost associated with ordering a copy of a birth certificate. Check with your local drop-in center or other local programs to see if they provide assistance in obtaining birth certificates.
  
  
• Photo ID – Contact the Homeless Veterans Coordinator at the nearest VA Medical Center for information on how to obtain a VA photo ID. Call 1-877-222-8387 to find the medical center nearest you. Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles provides ID photo services for a fee. Check the blue pages of your phone book for the local number.
  
  
• Social Security Card – Apply at the nearest Social Security Office (check the blue pages of your local phone book under U.S. Government, Social Security Administration, or call 1-800-772-1213). Because of tightened security at some federal buildings, check with your local office to see if there are special procedures you must follow to apply. You may also apply for a replacement card online. Go to: http://www.ssa.gov/replace_sscard.html.
  
  
• DD 214 – Homeless veterans are entitled to one copy of their service and medical records free of charge. Send requests to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.  Homeless veterans, through their DVOP/LVER or case manager, may fax the request for records to 314-801-9201. Be sure to write “Homeless Veteran Case” clearly on the form.
  
  Veterans discharged from the Navy after Dec. 31, 1994, and the Marine Corps after Sept. 30, 2001, should send requests to Navy Personnel Command, PERS 312E, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-3120. Veterans may also submit their requests online at www.vetrecs.archives.gov.
  
  State Offices of Veterans Affairs often have military records of veterans who are state residents. Go to www.nasdva.com for contact information in your state.